Column: Scouting for Food helps families in need

The majority of Americans don't worry about where their next meal is going to come from, but there are a growing number of needy Americans who face this harsh reality every day.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 46 million Americans live in poverty, and more than 50 million live in food insecure households. These numbers have been steadily increasing during the past couple of years. No one is immune to a sudden family tragedy or a job loss where they might find themselves in a situation where there is a need of a helping hand.

This is where the Boy Scouts of America see an opportunity to support their neighbors in need while teaching young people the value of giving back to their community. This is one of the reasons Scouting is such an awesome program. The Boy Scouts of America are instilling core values while benefiting the community at the same time.

On the morning of April 13, thousands of Scouts and volunteers will be canvasing north central Wisconsin and leaving behind an empty bag at your door. On behalf of those in need they are asking that you strongly consider donating some nonperishable food items that will benefit the needy in our communities. No amount is too small; even if you can only give a single can, please consider placing it in your bag and hanging it back on your door so it can be collected the following Saturday (April 20 after 9 a.m.).

State Sen. Jerry Petrowski is Samoset Council's 2013 Scouting for Food honorary chairman. He is very excited to partner with the Boy Scouts to help raise awareness of tremendous need and to help collect an increasing amount of food to help those in need.

All of the food that is collected will be donated to more than 50 local food pantries in north central Wisconsin. With your donation, the Boy Scouts are hoping to collect more than the 66,000 pounds of food that was collected in 2012.

Thank you for your compassion and willingness to help your neighbors in need. No matter how big or small, your food donation will go a long way.